Individual Therapy

Our waiting list is currently closed and we are not taking new client referrals. We will update the website as soon as we are able to take referrals again so please do check back regularly.

FAQs – individual therapy

What does SWCTS offer? We offer free, confidential, individual therapy to women who have experienced some kind of trauma or abuse. This includes traumatic experiences such as rape and sexual abuse, domestic abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, sexual exploitation or stalking.

Who can use our service and what does it cost? Our service is available to women in Sheffield over the age of 16. All of our services are free thanks to public donations and the funding we receive from charities like the Big Lottery Fund and Comic Relief as well as funding from the local NHS. We always welcome donations – every penny really does help. If you or someone you know is able to make a donation please go here.

How do I make an appointment for therapy? You can contact us directly by phone, text or email. If you would like a support worker or other person to make the first contact on your behalf they can contact us too; we would then get in touch directly with you to make sure that you want to access our service.

How soon can I see a therapist? We operate a waiting list which can be lengthy, at times. You can expect to wait a few months – sometimes between six and 12 months – for a first appointment. We have an assessment process – usually over two sessions – where you meet with one of our therapists. In assessment we look to ensure we can support you, find the right therapist for you, and that you are in a position to engage with weekly, ongoing therapy. Where we feel psychotherapy is not right for someone at a particular time, we will try to suggest other sources of help. We also regularly run therapeutic group courses which you may be able to access while you are waiting for one-to-one therapy.

What is therapy like? When you start therapy, you’ll meet one-to-one with one of our therapists in regular weekly sessions which last just under an hour. Your therapist will listen to you without judging you or trying to tell you what to do. The number of sessions will be agreed between you and your therapist – it varies because every woman’s situation is unique.

English is not my first language – can you help me? Where possible, and depending on the circumstances, we will provide an interpreter; please note it may not always be possible.